Engine starting mechanism



B. SMITH 1,940,374

ENGINE STARTING MECHANISM Filed June 1, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 19, 1933.

.m, m S Y R m O R mm o w; m ma a m K. a N N 2 u: llM' /l/ll/l/l/llfllfiwiflfi N35. 0 3 7 Z a 6 N i I J W 5 ll f K a l. 3 am 0 1 Dec. 19, 1933. B. SMITH ENGINE STARTING MECHANISM Filed June 1, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Patented Dec. 19, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ENGINE STARTING MECHANISM Application June 1, 1931.

14 Claims.

This invention relates to engine starting mechanism, and more particularly to a device of the spring motor type adapted for use in cranking internal combustion engines.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide novel means for cranking an internal combustion engine which is so constructed that cranking energy may be stored in said means at the will of the operator and utilized thereafter at any convenient time.

Another object is to provide a novel engine starter of the type embodying resilient means as the element in which energy may be stored.

A further object is the provision of novel starting mechanism particularly adapted for cranking small engines such as outboard engines for boats.

A further object of. the invention is the provision of resilient energy storing means which are not subject to excessive torsional or tensional strains, and hence not so liable to breakage or the development of other defects.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in a starter of the foregoing character, novel energy storing means including one or more gear-operated reciprocable plungers with which are associated a corresponding number of compressible springs adapted to exert a maximum torque which is available for turning over the engine crankshaft instantly upon release thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a spring operated starter of the foregoing character, novel means for drivably connecting the spring retaining plungers with both the engine crankshaft and the spring energizing member, which latter member may be a motor or other source of power, although herein shown by way of illustration as a manually operable crank.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a spring operated starter of the foregoing character, novel driving means whereby upon manual release of the compressed springs, a oneway driving connection between the springs and the engine crankshaft is effective to drive the engine until it becomes self-operating, whereupon such connection permits the crankshaft to overrun the spring operated members.

A further object of the invention is to provide a spring operated starter of novel construction rendering it possible to accumulate the necessary starting energy with the expenditure of only slight physical effort. however, as above suggested, that a motor or other power means may be used to compress the It is to be understood,-

Serial No. 541,512

springs, in which event the motor may be very. small and of simple construction, since the torque expenditure is very slight.

Further objects are to provide a device which is compact, light in weight, inexpensive to manufacture and readily installed in engines now in. use, one which is readily adapted for manual operation, and one in which the effort required on the part of the operator for storing up energy is reduced to minimum. The above and other objects will appear more fully hereinafter in the detailed description.

Two embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but it is to be expressly understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only, and are not designed to be a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in elevation, partly in section, of one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 1 with parts broken away and showing the parts in the energy-stored position.

Fig. 3 is a transverse view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view in elevation with parts sectional, of another embodiment;

Figs. 5 and 6 are diagrammatic views showing successive stages of operation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4; and

Fig. 7 shows a detail of parts of said embodiment.

In the form shown, the structure of the present invention preferably includes a housing 4 adapted to be secured in any suitable manner to the engine to be started or, as in the embodiments shown, such member may constitute the housing of the engine itself, particularly when the engine is of the vertically disposed outboard type as indicated at 5, having a crankshaft 6 with an upper threaded end 7 for engagement with a member of the starter proper.

The novel starting means adapted to engage and crank the engine member 6 preferably in cludes a plurality of (as shown, two) elongated plunger members 9 and 10 slidable along suitable channels or guides 11 and 12 respectively, the latter being provided with suitable flanges 13 and 14 for attachment to the upper surface of the housing 4, the attachment being effected by the use of rivets 15 or other suitable fastening means. As shown, the plungers 9 and 10 are provided with axial bores adapted to receive compression springs 16 and 17 respectively, the bores terminating preferably at points just short of the ends of the plungers, as indic'ated at 20 and 21, the ends of the plungers being prefer ably disposed so as to overlap to a certain extent the axis of the crankshaft 6. At their outer ends the springs 16 and 17 are adapted to be received in corresponding registering sockets 23 and 24 formed in the abutment thimbles 25 and 26, the latter being riveted or otherwise suitably secured to guides 11 and 12 respectively, by suitable means as indicated at and 31.

Novel means are provided for storing energy in the springs 16 and 17 and for retaining energy therein until it is desired to apply such energy in imparting initial rotation to the engine member 6. In the illustrated embodiment, such means preferably includes the formation, on the opposed longitudinal surfaces of the plungers 9 and 10, of rectilinearly arranged teeth and 36 constituting racks adapted to engage corresponding teeth 37 formed about the circumference of a hollow shaft 38, the upper end of which is apertured for the reception of a transversely disposed pin 39 adapted to be engaged by a handcrank 40 of the usual construction for such purpose. With the provision of such means it is apparent that upon rotation of the shaft 38 by application of handcrank 4O thereto, the plungers 9 and 10 will be actuated, along the guides 11 and 12, by the teeth 37 of shaft 38, the plungers moving in opposite directions and compressing the springs 16 and 17 against theabutments 25 and 26 respectively, until their respective limits of travel are reached.

The means for holding the springs 16 and 17 in the compressed positions shown in Fig. 2, and for manually releasing said springs thereafter, preferably comprises a lever 41 pivoted near one end to the housing 4, as indicated at 42 and provided opposite such pivot with a pawl or tooth 43 adapted to engage between successive teeth of the rack 36, the pawl being normally urged to such position by a suitable compression spring 44 seated on an abutment 45 attached to the housing 4, the spring having its opposite end enveloping a boss 46 formed in the recess 47 in the handle portion of the lever 41, a stop pin 48 being provided opposite the recess 47 for limiting the movement of the lever in one direction.

The means for drivably connecting the plungers 9 and 10 with the crankshaft 6 for transmission of starting torque from the former to the latter, while permitting overrunning when the engine starts under .its own power, preferably comprises a clutch connection of the overrunning type which is shown in Fig. 3 as taking the form of a plurality of rollers 50 disposed in circumferential tapering recesses 51 in a shaft 52, the latter being provided at its lower end with a tapped socket 53 adapted to threadedly engage the threaded end 7 of the engine. As shown, the shaft 52 extends upwardly through the hollow shaft 38, toward the inner surface of which shaft the rollers 50 are normally urged by the springs 54. A suitable retaining nut 55 is provided to threadedly engage the upper end of the shaft 52, the nut 55 being adapted to rest on an annular ledge 56 provided on the inner surface of the shaft 38 to permit relative rotation of the two shafts; while a shoulder 57 on the tapered outer surface of shaft 52 acts as a support for the rollers 50, which in turn rotatably support the shaft 38, by virtue of the provision of the aforesaid ledge 56.

In operation, the handcrank 40 is applied to the shaft 38 and by this means the latter is rotated and is effective through the pinion and rack connections to compress'the springs 16 and 17, the springs being held in their compressed positions by the pawl 43 during every stage of the compressing action, so that accidental release of the springs is effectively prevented. After the springs have been compressed sufficiently to store the necessary starting energy, the lever 41 is actuated to withdraw the pawl 43 from the teeth of plunger 10 whereupon the energy expended in compressing the springs is now available to rotate the engine crankshaft, through the one-way driving clutch shown in Fig. 3.

As soon as the engine starts under its own power, this clutch permits the shaft 52, which remains at all times rigidly connected to the engine crankshaft, to overrun the -shaft 38 (which it rotatably supports) and thereby permit the springs to remain in the released position until the next starting operation of the engine.

In cases where it is desired to obtain application of torque over a longer period than that duringwhich the structure of Figs. 1 and 3 is effective, the parts may be multiplied so as to obtain a series of torque impulses in sequence, the successive stages being made operable automatically in response to the movement of the parts involved in the preceding stage. One such arrangement is illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7 inclusive wherein two pairs of guide rails or tracks, as indicated at 60, 61, 62 and 63, are provided on the casing 65, the latter corresponding to the casing 4 of Figs. 1 and 2.

As shown, the tracks to 63 have associated therewith abutments 66 and 67, against the former of which two coil springs, one superimposed on the other, are normally compressed, a similar pair of springs being normally compressed against the abutment 67. All four springs are normally held in the compressed position by the pressure of the corresponding racks 70, 71, 72 and 73,the racks 71 and 73 being mounted above the racks and 72 and shelves 68 and 69 respectively, said shelves being in turn supported on rails 61 and 63 respectively. All four racks are normally locked in the position indicated in Fig. 6 by the action of detent 75, this detent corresponding in function and'structure to the detent 43 shown in Fig. 2. Preferably the rack 73 is equipped with a depending lug 103 at its forward end for a purpose to be described, and in order to prevent interference with the movement of said lug 103, that portion of the shelf 69 which is located to the right of the plane of section indicated in Fig. 4 is partly cut away. All four springs are indicated in Fig. 4 wherein they are designated by reference characters 76 to 79, but in the diagrammatic Figures 5 and 6, only three appear, the spring 78 being omitted to clarify graphic representation of the successive stages of operation.

In this embodiment, the means for actuating the two sets of racks preferably comprises a pair of pinions 82 and 83 formed by cutting teeth on the peripheries of aligned shafts 84 and 95 respectively; the shaft 84 having associated therewith a transversely disposed pin 86 and a slotted extension 87 for reception of a handcrank 88, and being provided with an inwardly turned ledge 89, whose function is similar to that of the ledge 56 in Figs. 1 and 2. In this construction, however, there is employed a double roller clutch consisting of two sets of rollers 90 and 91 disposed in corresponding tapering recessesformed in axially spaced relation on the circumference of shaft 92, between which sets of recesses the shaft is enlarged, as indicated at 93, to a diameter somewhat less than that of the internal diameter of the hollow shaft 95, the pinion 83 being formed on the latter shaft.

In this embodiment the pinion shaft95 is rotatably supported on-a suitable concave ledge 95a formed above the tapering circumferential surface of the engine shaft 92, and has a oneway driving connection therewith while allowing overrunning of the said shaft with respect thereto in the opposite direction. It will also be seen that pinion shaft 84 is similarly supported for one-way driving, and relative rotation in the opposite direction, on the upper surface of the enlarged portion 93 of the engine shaft.

The novel rack releasing means for producing the second stage of actuation of the driving springs in response to release of the manually operable detent 75, comprises a releasing lever 96 pivoted by suitable means 97 to a suitable support 98, and normally held in the position indicated in Fig. 6 by a tension spring 99 anchored as indicated at 100, the lever 96 being further provided with a tooth or detent 101 normally engaging between teeth of the rack 70, and releasable therefrom on contact of the opposite end 102 of the lever 96 by the advancing edge 103 of the rack 73. As shown best in Fig. 5, one face 'of tooth 101 is sloped or beveled to permit a ratcheting or camming action as the rack 70 moves to-the right, the other face being normal to the rack to produce locking engagement therewith and prevent a reverse movement of the rack under the pressure of spring 77 until such time as the lever 96 is released by the advance of rack 73 as above described. Stops 105, 106, and 107 limit the advance of racks 71, 70, and 73 respectively, there being a similar stop (not visible, in Fig. 5) for rack 72. 1

In operation the handcrank 88 is applied to the shaft 87 and by this means the latter is rotated and is effective through the pinion 82 and racks 71 and 73 to compress the springs 76 and 78. At the same timesprings 77 and 79 are compressed by virtue of the engagement of the lug 1030f rack '73 with the rear end of the lower rack 72. After the springs have thus been compressed, the detent may be manually released, whereupon the energy stored in springs 76 and 78 is first effective to rotate pinion 82 through the one-way driving clutch 90, to impart initial rotation to the engine shaft 92, such rotation being continued by the action of springs 77 and 79 following engagement of the arm 96 by the advance edge 103 of rack 73, and the resultant release of detent 101 from the rack 70. Upon such release, the drive is transferred from the upper pinion 82 and-clutch 90 to the lower pinion 83 and clutch 91. As soon as the engine starts under its own power, these two overrunning clutches permit free rotation of the engine crankshaft 92 without effect upon the springs or racks as above explained with reference to the embodiment first described.

There is thus provided a novel engine starting mechanism which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and which can be readily installed 'on engines now in use. It will be apparent that various other forms of gearing and multiple spring plungers, working simultaneously or in sequence, may be substituted for that shown, although preferably the parts are so constructed and arranged as to permit instantaneous application of relatively high torque to the engine crankshaft on release of the springs. driving connection between the shaft 52 and the engine crankshaft, a construction involving movement to and from engine-engagement position, may be employed. Additionally, other types of restraining means may be employed and various equivalents for the construction shown may be adopted for securing the springs during compressing operation. Where a greater number of turns of the crankshaft is desired, a multiplying gear train may be interposed between shaft 52 and the flywheel or crankshaft, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Other changes, additions and substitutions may be made as hereinabove suggested. Reference will therefore be had to the appended claims for a definition of the limits of the invention;

What is claimed is:

1. An engine starting apparatus including a driving member engageable with a member of the engine to be started, operating means therefor, said operating means comprising a rotatable shaft having a driving connection with said driving member, said driving connection including a plurality of rollers which also serve to rotatably support said shaft on said driving member, means operable through rotation of said shaft in one direction to store energy for subsequent transmission to said driving member upon rotation of said shaft in the opposite direction, and means for preventing such opposite rotation of said shaft for any desired period.

2. In apparatus of the class described, an engine member to be rotated, and means for imparting stored energy to said engine member in successive impulses to rotate the same, said means comprising longitudinally extensible members, and means drivably connecting said members with said engine member.

3. An engine starting apparatus including a driving member engageable with a member of the engine to be started, operating means therefor, said operating means comprising a rotatable shaft having a driving connection with said driving member, said driving connection including a plurality of rollers which also serve to rotatably support said shaft on said driving member, means operable through rotation of said shaft in one direction to store energy for subsequent transmission to said driving member upon rotation of said shaft in the opposite direc tion, and means for preventing such opposite rotation of said shaft for any desired period, said last named means comprising a rack having operative connection with said shaft, and a manually operable detent engageable with said rack.

4. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotatable shaft, of a second shaft having a one-way driving connection therewith, said one-way driving connection comprising a plurality of rollers which also serve to support said second shaft for rotation relatively Moreover, in place of the permanent to said first named shaft, resilient means for driving said second shaft in one direction, and means for storing energy insaid resilient means in response to rotation of saidsecond shaftin the opposite direction.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotatable shaft, of a second shaft rotatably mounted thereon, resilient means for driving said second shaft and means for storing energy in said resilient means, said last named means comprising an elongated retaining member for said resilient means, and 'a series of teeth disposed along the surface of' said elongated member in position to be operatively engaged by said second shaft.

6. In a device of the class described, the. combination with a rotatable shaft of a second shaft rotatably mounted thereon and having a driving connection therewith, resilient means for driving said second shaft in one direction after the storage of energy therein, means for storing energy in said resilient means in response to rotation of said second shaft in the oppositedirection, said last named means comprising an elongated retaining member for said resilient means, a series of teeth disposed along the surface of said elongated member in position to be operatively engaged by said second shaft, and means for preventing the release of the energy thus stored for any desired period, said means comprising a detent engageable with the teeth of said elongated member in every'position of movement of said member.

7. In anJengine starting mechanism, the combination with a member of the engine to be started and a "housing therefor, of a rectilinear track secured to said housing, a spring retaining member reciprocable along said track, and means for translating the rectilinear motion of said reciprocable member into a rotary motion of said engine member, said means being effective during movement of said reciprocable member in one direction only.

8. In an engine starting mechanism, the combination with a member of the engine to be started and a housing therefor, of a rectilinear track secured to said housing, a spring retaining member reciprocable along said track, and means for translating the rectilinear motion of said reciprocable member into a rotary motion of said engine member, said means comprising a shaft rotatably mounted on said engine member and having operative engagement with said reciprocable member.

9. In an engine starting mechanism, the combination with a member of the engine to be started and a housing therefor, of a rectilinear track secured to said housing, a spring retaining member reciprocable along said track, and means fortranslating the rectilinear motion of said reciprocable member into a rotary motion of said engine member, said means comprising a gear rotatably mounted on said engine member and a rack on said reciprocable member adapted to operatively engagesaid gear. 7

10. In an engine starting mechanism, the combination with a member of the engine to be started and a housing therefor, of a rectilinear track secured to said housing, a spring retain ing member reciprocable along said track, and means for translating the rectilinear motion'of said reciprocable member into a rotary motion of said engine member, said means comprising a gear rotatably mounted on said engine member and a rack on said reciprocable member adapted to voperatively engage said gear, said rack being adapted to be driven by said gear in one' direction and to drive said gear in the 0pposite direction.

11. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotatable shaft, of a second shaft rotatably mounted thereon and having a oneway driving connection therewith, resilient means for drivingsaid second shaft in one direction after the storage of energy therein, means for storing energy in said resilient means in'response to rotation of said second shaft in the opposite direction, and means for releasing the'ener stored in said resilient means in partial stages operating successively whereby successive torque impulses are transmitted to said first named shaft.

12. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotatable shaft, of a second shaft rotatably mounted thereon and having driving connection therewith, resilient means for driving said second shaft in one direction after the storage of energy therein, means for storing energy in said resilient means in response to rotation of said second shaft in the opposite direction, said last named means comprising an elongated retaining member for said resilient means, a series of teeth disposed along the surface of said elongated member in position to be operatively engaged by said second shaft, and means for releasing the energy stored in said resilient means in partial stages operative successively whereby successive torque impulses are transmitted to said first named shaft.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotatable shaft, of a plurality of shafts rotatably mounted thereon and having driving connection therewith, resilient means for driving each of said shafts in one direction after the storage of energy therein, means for storing energy insaid resilient means in response to rotation of one of said last named shafts in the opposite direction, said last named means comprising a corresponding plurality of elongated retaining members for said resilient means, a series of teeth disposed along the surface of said elongated members in a position to be operatively engaged by said second named shafts and means for releasing the energy stored in said resilient means in partial stages operative successively, whereby successive torque impulses are transmitted to said first named shaft.

14. In an engine starting mechanism, the combination with a member of the engine to be started and a housing therefor, of a rectilinear track secured to said housing, a spring retaining member reciprocable along said track, and means for translating the rectilinear motion of said reciprocable member into a rotary motion of said engine member, manually operable means for driving said track in one direction to store energy in said spring, and means operable on the release of said track to drivably connect said .track with said engine member, said connecting means also operating to rotatably support said driving member on said engine member.

BASCOM SMITH. 

